Animals that laugh include magpies, bonobos, chimpanzees, dolphins, and parrots. Other animals that make noises of joy that could be interpreted as laughter include rats, cows, and dogs.
Laughter is a universal language. It is something that everyone understands, regardless of their culture or nationality. Laughter is one of the most basic human instincts, and it is something that we all share. And, believe it or not, animals laugh too.
Scientists have studied animals and their behavior for a long time. The first studies were done in the 19th century when scientists started to analyze the way that different animals behaved.
It has been established through these studies that many of the same emotions exist across all species of animal life on earth.
Examples of Animals that Laugh
1. Australian Magpie
| Scientific Name | Gymnorhina tibicen |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Australia |
| Diet | Omnivore |
The Australian Magpie is a species of bird that is commonly found in Australia. They are known for their ability to imitate human speech, and they have been recorded mimicking the sound of laughter.
Some Australian magpies have also been recorded mimicking the voices of other animals, such as dogs and cats. They are not related to the European magpie but share a similar appearance, with black-and-white plumage and long tail feathers.
Australian magpies are very territorial and will defend their territory from other birds, including other species of birds.
2. Bonobos
| Scientific Name | Pan paniscus |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | the Democratic Republic of Congo |
| Diet | Omnivore |
Bonobos are an endangered species of great apes that is closely related to chimpanzees. They have been found to laugh when they are tickled, and their laughter sounds very similar to human laughter.
A study published in the journal PeerJ found that bonobos use laughter as a social tool to strengthen relationships and build bonds. The study’s authors observed two groups of bonobos living in zoos in Belgium and the Netherlands. They found that when one bonobo laughed, other nearby bonobos would often laugh too.
The study’s authors say that this shows that laughter is not just a way for bonobos to show they are enjoying themselves, but also a way to communicate with others. Laughter can help bonobos build relationships and strengthen social bonds
3. Chimpanzees
| Scientific Name | Pan troglodytes |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Uganda and western Tanzania |
| Diet | Omnivore |
Chimpanzees are known to be one of the most intelligent animals on Earth. And, as it turns out, they are also some of the funniest. Chimpanzees have been observed laughing and giggling in response to each other’s antics.
In one study, chimpanzees were shown a series of cartoons and then asked to indicate which one was the funniest. The chimps chose the same cartoon every time. It was a simple drawing of a chimp with its mouth wide open, looking surprised.
Related Article: Do Chimpanzees Travel in Packs?
4. Cows
| Scientific Name | Bos taurus |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Diet | Herbivore |
Cows are known to produce a sound that is similar to human laughter. When they get excited, they make a high-pitched sound with their mouths open wide. This sound has been studied by scientists since the early 1900s, but no one can seem to agree on what it means.
Some people think it’s just vocalization for excitement; others think it’s a way of showing dominance over other cows.
5. Crows
| Scientific Name | Corvus |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Diet | Omnivore |
Crows are known to make a laughing sound when they see people play with their food or make jokes. This behavior is not uncommon among other species of birds as well, but it does seem particularly rare for crows. The reason for this could be because crows have an extremely strong sense of humor.
One scientist who has studied crows extensively believes that this laughter is a way for the birds to show their intelligence. By observing how crows react to different situations, scientists can learn more about these complex animals and better understand their behavior.
Crows are also known for being very playful creatures. In one study, researchers observed two crows playing catch with a leaf.
Related Article: 28 Birds that Look Like Crows
6. Degu
| Scientific Name | Octodon degus |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Chile |
| Diet | Herbivore |
This little animal is a relative of the guinea pig and has some interesting behaviors that set it apart. One of those is the ability to laugh. When the degu is happy, it will make a chirping sound that sounds like laughter. This can happen when they are playing with one another or a human companion.
Degu’s also have a very strong bond with their family and will often spend a lot of time grooming each other. They are typically very active animals and love to explore their surroundings.
7. Dogs
| Scientific Name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Diet | Omnivore |
Dogs laugh in their own way: through barking with joy. In fact, they’ll often bark or howl with what seems to be genuine joy. Whether they’re playing or being petted, dogs often show their happiness through laughter.
8. Dolphin
| Scientific Name | Delphinus |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | northern Japan to Australia and from Southern California to Chile |
| Diet | Carnivore |
Dolphins are one of the smartest animals in the world and they have a range of emotions that we often see in humans.
Laughter is definitely one of those emotions and dolphins will often laugh when they are playing or interacting with others. They may also do it when they are being fed, which is a pretty adorable sight.
9. Elephant
| Scientific Name | Loxodonta |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | eastern and southern Africa |
| Diet | Herbivore |
Elephants are well known for their intelligence and emotional connection with each other. They are also able to laugh when they feel happy or relaxed. The sound an elephant makes is a bit like a trumpet, but it definitely sounds like laughter in the right context.
Elephants are one of the few animals that can show empathy for others. If they see another elephant in distress, they will often try to help out, even if they don’t know the other elephant. This shows just how emotionally complex these animals really are.
Related Article: What Eats Elephants?
10. Foxes
| Scientific Name | Vulpes vulpes |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | USA, Canada, and South American countries like Columbia and Venezuela |
| Diet | Omnivore |
Foxes are another creature that is known to exhibit laughter-like behaviors. When they are playing or being silly, they will make a high-pitched yip that sounds similar to human laughter.
Foxes are also known for their cunning and mischievous nature. They are often associated with stories of tricking people or stealing food. While they may seem like bad news, they are actually quite adorable when you see them playing around.
11. Gorillas
| Scientific Name | Gorilla |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | equatorial Africa |
| Diet | Herbivore |
Another animal that laughs is the gorilla. When playing, they will make chuckling sounds that are similar to laughter with their mouth closed. They also like to put on a big smile when laughing and open their mouths wide for effect.
If you ever get a chance to see a gorilla laugh in person, it is definitely a sight to behold! Their expressions are just so happy and carefree, and it’s hard not to smile along with them. It’s clear that they’re enjoying themselves and simply having some good old-fashioned fun.
Read Also: Bear vs Gorilla
12. Humans
| Scientific Name | Homo sapiens |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Diet | Omnivore |
It’s not just animals that can laugh, humans do it too. In fact, babies start laughing before they can even speak. There are all sorts of reasons why people laugh, but one of the main ones is because it feels good.
Humans can laugh for all sorts of reasons – one of the main ones is because it feels good! When you laugh, your body releases endorphins which make you feel happy and relaxed.
You might have heard about the people who go to “laughter therapy” sessions – they are trying to use laughter as a way of healing themselves mentally or physically, but many scientists believe that this isn’t really possible because laughing is just a reaction we do when something funny happens.
13. Hyenas
| Scientific Name | Hyaenidae |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Africa |
| Diet | Carnivore |
Though they are known for their shrill laughter, the hyena is not a particularly happy animal. Rather, it uses its laugh as a way to communicate with other hyenas and also intimidate prey. The fact that they often eat carrion can make them appear even more intimidating to those who do not know better.
14. Kea Parrot
| Scientific Name | Nestor notabilis |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | New Zealand’s South Island, |
| Diet | Omnivore |
This bird is a member of the parrot family and is considered endangered as it only lives in New Zealand. The kea can be quite intelligent, which sets them apart from other birds.
They like to play with new objects and one way they show this enjoyment is by laughing when they are playing or performing tricks for their human companions.
15. Killer Whale
| Scientific Name | Orcinus orca |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Antarctica, Norway, and Alaska |
| Diet | Carnivore |
The killer whale is actually a member of the dolphin family. It’s not surprising that they enjoy playing just like other dolphins and one way they show this enjoyment is by laughing when they are playing or performing tricks for their human companions.
16. Mongoose
| Scientific Name | Herpestidae |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Africa |
| Diet | Herbivore |
This little creature is known for being curious and playful. One of the things that makes it fun to watch is its habit of playing with objects in its environment. When it finds something amusing, it will often let out a giggle or laugh. This usually happens when it is interacting with another mongoose or a human companion.
17. Orangutans
| Scientific Name | Pongo |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Southeast Asian islands of Borneo and Sumatra |
| Diet | Omnivore |
This type of ape is known for its high intelligence, which can lead it to form strong bonds with people. The orangutan has a unique laugh that sounds like a wheezy pant and will do this when it’s happy. Scientists believe this laughter acts as a social signal, letting other orangutans know how they are feeling. There are three types of orangutans: the Bornean, Sumatran, and Tapanuli.
18. Parakeets
| Scientific Name | Melopsittacus undulatus |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Australia |
| Diet | Omnivore |
These little birds are often considered the clowns of the bird world and they definitely have a sense of humor. When they are playing or interacting with their human companions, they will make all sorts of funny noises, including what sounds like laughter.
19. Parrots
| Scientific Name | Psittaciformes |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Australia, South America, and Central America |
| Diet | Omnivore |
Most parrots are known for their ability to talk, but they also exhibit other behaviors that show their intelligence. One of those is laughing. Parrots will often laugh when they are playing or interacting with humans. It’s usually a sign of happiness and contentment.
Related Article: What Eats Parrots?
20. Rats
| Scientific Name | Rattus |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Diet | Omnivore |
Rats are not typically thought of as being cute or lovable, but they do have some behaviors that show they can be quite funny. One of those is their tendency to laugh when they are playing.
They make a high-pitched noise that is often mistaken for giggling by humans. This usually happens when they are chasing each other or playing with a toy.
21. Seals
| Scientific Name | Pinnipedia |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | the Arctic and Antarctic waters |
| Diet | Carnivore |
Seals are known for being very playful animals and they often exhibit behaviors that look like laughter. When seals play together, they will make a variety of noises including chirping, barking, and laughing.
Some people believe that the reason seals laugh is to show their happiness and strengthen relationships with others in their group.
Hi, I’m Garreth. Living in South Africa I’ve had the pleasure of seeing most of these animals up close and personal. When I was younger I always wanted to be a game ranger but unfortunately, life happens and now at least I get to write about them and tell you my experiences.